Is It Feasible for Indians Moving to the US to Take Household Help with Them from India?

For Indians moving to the US, the acquisition and management of household help is a common concern. Particularly, the high cost of hiring household help in the US often leads to questions about bringing help from India. This article explores the practicality of bringing household help from India, addressing both the challenges and the available solutions.

Challenges and Legal Aspects

Unfortunately, there are currently no provisions in US immigration laws that legally allow an individual to bring household help from India directly. This automatically invalidates the idea of hiring domestic workers illegally, which is often frowned upon and can lead to various legal and ethical issues. Therefore, the legal path to taking household help from India proves to be significantly challenging.

Practical Workarounds and Cultural Practices

Despite these legal constraints, many Indian immigrants often find practical solutions to ensure their household needs are met. For example, several Indian youth relocating to the US bring along not just one, but as many as four household helps, which they rotate in two six-month shifts. This approach sidesteps the complexities of hiring household help in the US and prevents any legal hassles associated with it.

Interestingly, these household helps are not typically labeled as ‘household help’ per se. Instead, they are often referred to as ‘parents’ or ‘parents-in-law.’ This approach helps in circumventing the legal and bureaucratic barriers associated with bringing in foreign workers. Furthermore, these household helps often arrange their own travel and accommodation in the US, making the process smoother for everyone involved.

Prominent Reasons for Bringing Household Help from India

Many middle-class Indians, especially those in their twilight years, regularly visit the US to assist their children. This practice is particularly prominent if the children are in the process of having their own children or if they have young children in the early developmental stage. These visits not only help in taking care of the children but also provide emotional support and care for the parents. For many Indian parents, this act is seen as a badge of honor, and it gives them bragging rights as well.

Effect on Quality of Life and Practical Considerations

While the decision to bring household help from India might seem practical at first glance, it is important to consider the impact on quality of life. In the US, individuals generally need to handle all household tasks themselves, which can be labor-intensive and time-consuming. Conversely, in India, most household tasks are outsourced to a maid, reducing the burden on family members.

However, in the US, despite the necessity of managing household tasks independently, the quality of life is often maintained. Travelling times in the US are typically shorter, and most major cities offer efficient public transportation. For example, the author had little trouble commuting to work, even during heavy snow or New Year's Eve, often facing travel duration under an hour. In contrast, cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru can take a significant amount of time due to traffic congestion.

In conclusion, while the legal challenges of bringing household help from India are significant, many Indian immigrants have found creative solutions to manage their household needs. This approach balances the practical necessity of household help with the legal and cultural norms of the US. Overall, the decision to bring household help from India should be based on a clear understanding of the associated challenges and the merits of these practical solutions.